
As she walked up to give me a hug she said, "I've got a surprise for you; it's a late Valentine's Day present. Close your eyes."
Eagerly anticipating this gift, I thought to myself what could it be? Of course, I didn't have to really think too hard for I knew it would be a new living and breathing creature as an addition to our Ark. My guess was right.
When she told me I could open my eyes, there in her arms was a seven week old Great Pyrenees puppy, all cuddly and fluffy. He was huge as you can see from the picture, but he took right to me and now the Ark has another canine in the family.
Our old Dalmatian Max who is a special family member is nearing death with cancer. We just keep him comfortable but he is getting very feeble and can't be with us for long. So my wife decided that Valentino, or Val for short, would be his replacement, and a great replacement he will be.
The Great Pyrenees are outside dogs. Their principal working function is guarding the flock. And by flock I mean all of our animals as well as the two of us. They are laid back dogs but they are always watching. So Valentino will be given a special sleeping place in the garage where he can serve us well. And judging from the way he took to us, he will be another very loved member of our Ark family.
We will miss Max when he is finally called home but little Val will help make the pain less. And life must go on; that's why it's important that you show love to the living, for you never know when or what things change. Live lovingly and fully and you will never regret it.
God blesses the animals and he knows that our little place in the country is a good place for many of them. So we welcome Val to the family and promise Him that Val will be well taken care of. I'll write more about him as he creates additional family adventures.
Animals: A Wonderful Gift from a Loving Father. Remember Him and worship Him this day and enjoy a peaceful and relaxing Sunday. God bless.
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If you like animals, you'll love my animals stories which have been compiled in my book: Honey, We Shoulda' Bought the Ark, now available from outskirtspress.com/honeyweshouldaboughttheark. Horses, dogs, cats, birda and a few wild creatures; they're all included.